In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Dear Friends,
Letâs be honest. 2020 hasnât been what we hoped it would be when the clock struck midnight that last day in December. I was chatting with a friend recently who I shouted âHappy New Yearâ with in December. While we hugged and toasted to the new year with friends, we even made our predictions for 2020. We celebrated that night with no bubbles, no restricted numbers, no lockdowns, and no masks! Who would have imagined how 2020 would unfold? I know if someone would have made these predictions I would have laughed and I do not think my mind could even fathom our current reality.
In Thessalonians, Paul is telling the church to be thankful in every situation â no matter what the circumstances are. Looking back to the month of March, when life as we knew it took a sudden change and what was once normal became abnormal, I have to confess, giving thanks was not my first thought! I was too busy figuring out how to keep my family safe, what to do to keep my church family safe, how to be in ministry with a wonderful staff, and how to help connect our church family with one another and to God. We were bombarded with news, constant changes, and a new way of life that nobody wanted to embrace.
Trying to give thanks during those moments seemed nearly impossible, but we did. My Wednesday Java and Jesus devotion on Facebook also was a way to help point me towards hope and thankfulness. I have learned that during the most difficult times that we should give thanks and praise! A grateful heart is a thankful heart and a heart that is full of gratitude is not dependent on circumstances to give thanks. When we begin a day giving thanks, our eyes are quickly turned from our circumstances and fixed on the goodness in our lives. There is always, always something to be thankful for and always hope to discover!
This November, our country will experience a presidential election and then we end the month with celebrating Thanksgiving. I know that giving thanks during a pandemic is hard. Honestly, this year was made more difficult by the passing of my dad in September and a battle through COVID for myself. But as I look backward, as I look into this day, and as I look forward, my heart is full of gratitude and yet there is sadness for things lost. The gratitude is what helps lift me up and give me a reminder that I am not alone.
It doesnât take much to have gratitude; we just take a look around. But our gratitude can be lost if we choose to focus on the things we donât have rather than the things we do have. Wanting a heart of gratitude begins with a focus shift. Most days I am good at shifting my focus to God and finding hope and blessings, but other days it takes more work. The moment I shift my focus to praise and thanksgiving, the weight of a heavy heart is immediately lifted. During this month of November, I pray that we all rise to the challenge to shift our focus to praise and thanksgiving. Will you join me in starting each day with thanksgiving? In prayer, in your journal, on social media, sharing out loud with a friend, or maybe all the above. Here are a few other scriptures that help set my focus:
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. Philippians 4:6-7
ï»żIt is because of the Lordâs loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, Because His [tender] compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
God is our refuge and strength, A very present and well-proved help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17
For I know the plans I have for you,â says the Lord. âThey are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
On this Thanksgiving Day, let us give thanks with a grateful heart. May our hearts overflow with joy as we thank Him for all He is, all He does and most of all, for His love that will endure forever! AMEN
During this pandemic season, I give thanks for all of you. For your faithfulness to worship, service, and giving. Thankfulness for the ways that you continue to care for one another, support mission projects, and for the lavish love that you showered on me and my faith in September and then again in October for pastor appreciation month. You have no idea how each and every one of those actions touched my heart.
I love you,
ï»żRev. Mary
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Worship Options
Sundays at 10:00am
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- Indoor worship in sanctuary
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Weekly Facebook Ministries
Monday: Reflection, 9AM
Tuesday: Weekly Prayer Focus, 7PM
Wednesday: Java with Jesus, 7AM
Thursday: YouTube Playlist
Friday: Musical Devotion
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Welcome, Sue Brown!
The Staff Parish Relations Team is excited to announce the hiring of Suzanne (Sue) Brown as our new Financial Secretary! Sue has been a member of SLFUMC for about a year and comes on staff with a wealth of financial experience. In addition to previously serving as a church treasurer, she had a 25 year career in banking. Sue has lived in South Lyon since 1975. She was married for 55 years until this past June when she lost her husband, George. Together they have a son, Michael who lives in Brighton and a daughter, Karen who lives and teaches in South Lyon. Sue has 4 wonderful grandsons. Her hobbies are sewing and reading.
As Financial Secretary, Sue will be responsible for offering entry, electronic donation management, giving statements, & commitment cards. You can reach her on Mondays in the office. Suzannebrown@southlyonfirstumc.org. Welcome, Sue!
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Mission of the Month
Capernaum Health Clinic
The Bible is full of examples of Jesus showing love for and healing others: âThen he said to the man, âStretch out your hand.â And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the otherâ (Matthew 12:13-14). âAnd Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and afflictionâ (Matthew 9:35). We also know that in Capernaum, his disciples believed in his ability to heal so much that they lowered a man down through the roof so that Jesus could heal him (Luke 5:17-20). We are called to care for each other and love each other as Jesus loves us.
ï»żOne of the ways that we work towards this goal is through the Capernaum Health Clinic. Even during, or perhaps especially during our current public health crisis, the Capernaum Health Clinic is working to serve those that are uninsured or under-insured with a clinic at the South Lyon First Baptist Church the week of November 9. While the typical walk in services will not be offered, mobile mammograms, dental, and vision services will be offered and medical services may be available to those on the existing wait list that the clinic utilizes.
Please prayerfully consider supporting Novemberâs Mission of the Month, the Capernaum Health Clinic.
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Christian Education Information
Here is what is happening. If youâd like more info about any of these things, please contact me unless a specific person is listed, 816-665-9387.
2nd - 5th Grade
In-person outdoor gatherings for 2nd -5th grades Sundays, 6-7:15PM. This time will include a bible lesson, recreation, and connection. Kids will need to bring water and a mask.
Youth Group (6th Grade â 12th Grade):
Sunday Night Youth (Recreation & Small Groups), outdoor in-person, 6-7:15PM
Daily posts on slfumc_youth Instagram
Other Connection Opportunities:
Creative Connection Online, 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7PM
Parent Wind Down online, 2nd Thursday of month, 9PM
Pub Theology meets at 7:30PM on Wednesday evenings
You are invited to join in the clubhouse at Cattails Golf Club, on 9 Mile east of Griswold. We enjoy libations and lively discussion covering a variety of topics. Each weekâs prompts are emailed out before Wednesday. Contact Jim Melvin to receive weekly emails or for more information.
Adult Sunday School Classes:
Sunday to Monday
To participate via email, contact class lead Scott Ries.
The class explores 3 questions about Sundayâs scripture:
1) What does it say? 2) What does it mean? 3) What is our response?
Join us as we get into the nitty gritty of the morning scripture passage as we figure out how to apply it in our daily lives.
Seekers meet at 8:30AM on Sunday mornings
To participate via Zoom, contact class lead Cherie Trembath. 248-207-3071.
We welcome anyone to join us! For the next 8 weeks they will be studying Proverbs: Pathways to Wisdom by Dominick Hernandez. A brief video will be shown at the start of each of the 4 sections of the book.
The book is available on Cokesbury or Amazon. If you search for the kindle version from Amazon, be sure to state âkindleâ at the end of the title or it will not show up in your search.
Encounters meet at 8:30AM on Sunday mornings
To participate via Zoom, contact class lead Lindy Juergens.
You are invited to join us as we study Adam Hamiltonâs Peter: Flawed but Faithful Disciple. He left everything to follow his teacher and possessed a passion that would change the world. That's one way to describe Peter. Here's another: poor, uneducated, quick-tempered, and full of doubts and fears.
The book is available on Cokesbury or Amazon. The Kindle version or audio version is also available on Amazon.
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Music Ministry Notes
Wednesday night music schedule:
6:45 - 7:30 Music time that will be used flexibly (mostly will include individual virtual choir/youth/children/etc recording)
7:30 - 8:30 Handbell choir rehearsal
If you are interested in participating in any of our music ministry opportunities, please contact me at. We look forward to continuing sharing music as we continue to navigate these uncertain times.
David Bassin
Director of Music Ministries
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Men's Ministries
Our next âFirst Saturdayâ of the month virtual breakfast:
Saturday, November 7 from 7:30 â 9:00:
Join us via ZOOM for âbreakfastâ and a program. Take your coffee and a bowl of cereal to your favorite easy chair and settle in for a great time of fellowship and fun.
This month we will be receiving the annual report from the 2020 Godâs Country mission team. This is always a fun and rewarding event! Contact Dave Smith at if you need joining instructions.
Tuesday night weekly Bible Study 7:30 â 8:30 on Zoom:
Join us for our virtual Bible study every Tuesday night. Enjoy a video-based study called âWhatâs So Amazing About Graceâ by Phillip Yancey. Contact Darren Klemens at if you need joining instructions.
Upcoming Service Projects:
We awarded work days to the three top bidders for our services at the 2020 talent auction! The total donated to missions from the three projects is $3000!
ï»żWe will be completing the outdoors work this fall and the inside work some time in 2021. Contact Dave Smith at if youâd like to help with any of the following tasks:
· Rake leaves
· Wash windows
· Clean out a shed
· Tear down a shed and haul it away
· Clean out a garage
· Relocate some landscaping stone
· Trim some brush
· Dig out an apple tree stump
· Clean rust stains from bricks on side of house
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Stay the Course
Our Stewardship/Generosity Team gives thanks for your support this year. In the midst of a pandemic and an ever-changing world, you have been faithful and generous. Together we have found amazing ways to create ministry and change lives. The Stewardship/Generosity Team has opted to NOT do a formal stewardship campaign this fall. Instead we are asking you to âstay the courseâ and if possible, maintain current giving in 2021.
Please still turn in an Estimate of Giving card for 2021 so we can plan for the year accordingly. We will dedicate our commitments on Sunday, October 25. Cards were sent in the mail and are also available on our website (under Forms) and in the church lobby. We are better together. Although we canât change everything weâd like to, we can direct our efforts where theyâll do the most good. Letâs stay the course together!
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Angel Tree
The Mission Team will once again be hosting the Angel Tree gift program. This mission offers us an opportunity to give to those in our community who need it most during Christmas.
Please note that things will be a little different this year due to COVID-19. In the past we purchased gifts for each child from their list, a gift card for each adult, and a family gift of a laundry basket filled with food, essentials, and a grocery store gift card. This year, due to a variety of health concerns and issues with obtaining families through our partners at Community Chest we will be obtaining our families through Active Faith. Active Faith's partnership only purchases gifts for children 16 and younger and therefore we cannot provide food baskets or adult gift-giving this year.
If sponsoring a child is out of your budget this year, but you would still like to contribute you can make a donation to the Angel Tree Mission and members of the Mission Team will be shopping for those additional children. We are working on additional ways to spread additional cheer to the whole family.
If you know of a family that is not utilizing Active Faith or other holiday assistance but could use some help this Christmas please contact Rev. Mary and she can field those requests to the Mission Team.
We will have shopping lists available in mid to late November and will share more information about that process soon.
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the Angel Tree co-chairs:
Sandy Boals at 248-574-1004
Tammy Fornari at 774-535-6607
or email the Mission Team
Please consider helping to share some Christmas spirit and bring joy to local families by participating in our Angel Tree gift program.
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Your Giving Creates Ministry
Our goal in Finance is to be good stewards of the resources God has given us. During these challenging times, we have been blessed with options that have afforded us to continue to upkeep our property, pay salaries and continue faithful ministry. These blessings have come by way of loans, grants, mortgage relief and lowered expenses. You also continue to give faithfully and abundantly by mailing checks or through one of our many safe and user friendly online giving options.
Our church teams have been working hard this fall to put together the 2021 Ministry Spending Plan (formally known as the budget). The Finance Team had a chance to review the initial numbers at their October meeting. October 25 is Commitment Sunday where we will be asking you to drop off your pledge cards to the church. We ask that you prayerfully consider your pledge this year. We are able to make ministry plans for 2021 using your pledged commitments. Thank you good and faithful stewards!
Check out your generous giving hard at work this month!
· One full Ministry Shares payment
· Paid Heritage District Ministry Shares
· Funded 2 scholarships for college students
· Yearly registration to the United Methodist Men
· Raised over $10,000 from the Talent Auction!
Offering Options
· Credit Card or ACH options:
· Text 855-947-0586 with the dollar amount in the message
· Make a credit card donation over the phone through our financial vendor, Vanco, by calling 1-800-675-7430
· Mail checks to SLFUMC, 640 S. Lafayette St., South Lyon, MI 48178
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Thank You from Reverend Mary
South Lyon First Church Family,
Thank you for the beautiful flower arrangement you sent. It felt like you were there with us. Grieving is hard work, but having a faith family helps!
Love,
Rev. Mary and the family of John Gibson
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Thank you from New District Superintendent
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To Rev. Mary, the staff, and good people of South Lyon First UMC,
Thank you so much for the âwarmâ welcome gift of a prayer shawl. It means so much to be to be remembered and received.
Grace and peace to you,
Rev. LuAnn Rourke
Heritage District Superintendent
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Click the link below to see
this month's birthdays!
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Worship Schedule Sundays 10:00 am
- Indoor worship in sanctuary
- Online worship
Office Hours
- Mondays 9:00am - 12:00pm
- Wednesdays 9:00am - 12:00pm
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for more information about our church or any of these programs!
Do you prefer a printed copy of our newsletter? Hard copies are available on the kiosk in the lobby!
Newsletter is edited by Lori Penndorf
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